[Source/Observer Network Xiong Chaoyan] After Trump's inauguration, Musk, who had "played a role in his appointment," was once at the height of his glory. However, as he continued to push forward with the work of the "Government Efficiency Department" (DOGE), tensions between Musk and the Trump cabinet members escalated, and he also faced accusations from Democrats of "abusing power for personal gain." His assets have been rapidly decreasing. Recently, he has repeatedly stated that he will step back from DOGE and refocus on the business world.

According to a report by Fox News on April 30, U.S. President Trump said to Musk during a cabinet meeting on that day: "You are being treated unfairly, but the vast majority of people in this country really respect and appreciate you. Everyone present can definitely express this. This has really given us tremendous help. You have shown many people what can be done, and we are very grateful to you."

At this moment, applause broke out for Musk throughout the room. Trump added: "You can stay here as long as you want," and jokingly said: "But I guess he always wants to go home to his car and family."

However, while Trump's cabinet was "applauding," The Wall Street Journal reported on the same day, citing sources, that Tesla board members had contacted several executive search firms to find a successor for Musk due to the company's falling stock price and some investors' dissatisfaction with Musk's focus on the White House.

Musk attended Trump's cabinet meeting on April 30 X platform

It was reported that Musk said at the cabinet meeting held that day: "By cutting government spending, the U.S. government has saved $160 billion." In addition, he also boasted about the achievements made in the first 100 days of the Trump administration.

"American people voted for safe borders, safe cities, and wise spending," Musk said. "This is what they got, and a lot of work has been accomplished in the first 100 days. As everyone says, it is more than any previous administration has achieved. So, this is good news for other departments of the government. I think this may be the greatest administration since the founding of the country."

At the meeting, Musk wore two caps with Trump elements on them; the outermost one read "American Bay." Trump praised Musk's "double cap" style, and Musk joked: "Mr. President, they say I wear a lot of hats, even my hats have hats."

Fox News pointed out that DOGE is a temporary interdepartmental agency established by the Trump administration to streamline federal government spending and size. According to Trump's executive order, DOGE will dissolve on July 4, 2026.

Since Trump took office in January, Musk has been the public face of DOGE, leading a team to identify government overspending, fraud, and mismanagement within various federal agencies, earning multiple praises from the Trump administration.

The report stated that Musk was actually hired as a "special government employee," a position set up by the U.S. Congress in 1962, which allows administrative or legislative departments to hire temporary employees for specific short-term plans.

Information from the U.S. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) shows that the maximum number of working days for a "special government employee" within a year cannot exceed 130 days. If Musk's 130-day term starts from January 20th when he assumed office, it will end on May 30th.

Trump and Musk, file photo

According to a report by the New York Post on April 29, White House Chief of Staff Susan Wells revealed that Musk no longer works at the White House and that they currently communicate via phone calls.

Furthermore, The Times of London disclosed on April 30 that, due to her calm and efficient management style, Wells was called the "Ice Maiden" by Trump. As the first female White House Chief of Staff, she had previously tried to reduce Musk's presence in the West Wing, believing it would endanger the cooperative spirit she wanted to establish.

In fact, over the past period, Musk not only had a fierce argument with White House Trade Advisor Peter Navarro but was also reported to have had a heated argument with Treasury Secretary Beasant.

The Times reported that due to the fierce resistance from competitors, Tesla's profits plummeted by 71%, and Musk promised to "significantly" reduce his time working for DOGE. However, on the same day that Trump's cabinet "applauded" Musk, The Wall Street Journal reported that Tesla's board was looking for someone to replace Musk as the next CEO.

"Musk's companies are facing serious threats, the world's richest man has lost focus, and his competitors are seizing opportunities to profit."

On March 23rd, The Economist magazine in the UK sounded an alarm for Musk's "business empire." An article on its website suggested that Musk rarely had to look back at the competitors chasing him. Whether it was SpaceX or Tesla, both were shrouded in an almost "invincible" aura. However, if he could take a moment from his current work with federal institutions, he might notice that some things have changed.

Since entering politics, Musk's company brands have been harmed. It was SpaceX and Tesla, the two pillars supporting his "business empire," that accounted for approximately 90% of his industry valuation, and possibly all of his profits. But now, these are facing increasingly intense competition, making Musk the target of many.

For example, although SpaceX monopolizes several fields, Musk's unpredictable behavior regarding "Starlink" has caused a "trust crisis" among clients. Companies like Bezos' rocket company and other private enterprises are poised to challenge it. Tesla is also facing severe challenges, especially in China, the largest automotive market, where Chinese automakers such as BYD are creating an "DeepSeek moment" in the automotive industry, from charging to intelligent driving technology. Tesla struggles to compete on price and capability.

"Perhaps in his view,凭借 his existing achievements, he fully deserves to try his hand at politics." But The Economist reminded Musk that while his enterprises are facing these difficulties, his competitors will not miss this opportunity.

This article is an exclusive contribution from the Observer Network and cannot be reprinted without permission.

Original source: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7499353673680585250/

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